NEW BOOK: ANCIENT COINS IN EARLY AMERICAN AUCTIONS

Ancient Coins in Early American Auctions by David F. Fanning Available October 1, 2020

Ancient Coins in Early American Auctions book cover

Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers are pleased to announce the publication of a new book by David F. Fanning. Ancient Coins in Early American Auctions, 1869–1939 is a well-illustrated bibliography and analysis of American auction catalogues issued before the Second World War that feature photographically printed illustrations of ancient coins.

Photographically illustrated numismatic auction catalogues made their first appearance in the United States in 1869. These plated catalogues have become vital tools in conducting provenance research. However, while many collectors and dealers in the ancient coin field are familiar with classic European auction catalogues, this level of familiarity is rarely extended to older American catalogues.

Ancient Coins in Early American Auctions provides a detailed listing of 96 catalogues, illustrating at least one plate from each of them, and providing historical and biographical context to allow a fuller understanding of the world of ancient coin collecting as it existed in the United States during this period. A statistical analysis of these catalogues follows, together with supplementary information relevant to provenance research. Fanning demonstrates throughout that these early American catalogues have more to offer the student of ancient coins than may be expected.

Ancient Coins in Early Americans Auctions, 1869–1939
by David F. Fanning
Gahanna: Kolbe & Fanning, 2020
288 pages; well-illustrated in color
Bound in blue cloth with dust-jacket
$75 retail, plus shipping
Order at Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers at numislit.com

Praise for Ancient Coins in Early American Auctions, 1869–1939

"indispensable for both the researcher and the serious collector"

"a classic in every sense of the word"

"an outstanding example of in-depth research on a subject that was in serious need of attention"
Basil C. Demetriadi
Collector and Researcher

"Ancient Coins in Early American Auctions, 1869–1939 belongs in the library of all ancient coin collectors. The bios, the many plate photos, the tables and lists have a broad appeal and will be of major interest to all early American auction catalogue collectors as well."
Dan Hamelberg
Collector

"Collectors of ancient coins will find this well-illustrated volume essential for provenance research, and numismatists in general will enjoy a guided tour through the world of 19th-century American coin dealers."
Joel J. Orosz
Numismatic Author and Historian

"fills an immediate need for the serious collector and dealer of ancient coinage"
Kerry K. Wetterstrom
Senior Numismatist, Classical Numismatic Group

"brings to light an area of American numismatic history that has long been forgotten"
Q. David Bowers
Founder, Stack's Bowers Galleries

"a welcome addition to the study of pedigrees on ancient coins as well as an important chapter in the history of collecting"
Ed Waddell
Edward J. Waddell, Ltd.

David F. Fanning is a principal of Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers, an auction house and retail firm located in the Columbus, Ohio area. A student of numismatic literature since childhood, he is an elected Fellow of the American Numismatic Society and belongs to many specialized and regional numismatic organizations. He holds a Ph.D. in English from the Ohio State University and has published widely on numismatic literature, North American colonial coins, medals, U.S. federal coins, Islamic coins and other topics.

Dr. Fanning has given presentations on the book's topic at the New York Numismatic Club and the Newman Numismatic Portal Symposium and is available to speak to coin clubs and other organizations via Zoom. Contact orders@numislit.com to schedule a virtual appearance or for more information.